Staff Attorney

Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Paid leave

Professional development

Job summary

State of Indiana's Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) seeks an experienced attorney to advise on licensing regulations, contracts, and agency governance. You will translate complex statutes into practical guidance for leadership and staff.

You will support hearings, litigation, and legal writing, partnering with agency leaders to ensure compliance and sound decision-making, with opportunities to contribute across 60+ agencies.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) with 5+ years of legal experience as a practicing attorney.
• Indiana Bar Admission license in good standing.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage a docket and procedural information using a case management system.
• Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise agency staff on program, legal, and regulatory matters.
• Help draft, review, or provide legal advice relating to contracts and policies.
• Support administrative hearings and litigation-related activities.
• Translate complex legal issues into practical guidance for agency leadership and board staff.
• Draft legislation and administrative rules as needed.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Litigation

Contract review

Regulatory knowledge

Oral communication

Written communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Indiana Bar Admission

Job description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About The Professional Licensing Agency

The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) is responsible for licensing and regulating 40 different professions as set in statute by the Indiana General Assembly.

PLA strives to ensure Hoosiers have access to robust, safe, and reliable professional services by providing licensure to professionals in a fair and efficient manner. PLA’s mission is to ensure Hoosiers have access to a robust, safe, and reliable professional workforce.

Role Overview

PLA is seeking an experienced attorney to provide legal guidance and support across a variety of agency operations. This role advises agency leadership and board staff on legal, regulatory, and operational matters related to licensing regulations. Additionally, the role assists with the review and development of contracts, administrative rules, and agency policies. The position may also support administrative hearings, litigation‑related activities, and legal writing assignments. Successful candidates will be organized, collaborative, and skilled at translating complex legal issues into practical guidance that supports the agency's mission.

Salary Statement

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $85,020.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day In The Life

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• May train, manage, delegate to, and/or provide support for any legal support staff;
• Advises and provides legal support to agency staff on various program and legal areas;
• May oversee, draft, review, or provide legal advice relating to contracts;
• Researches, interprets, and provides legal advice in relation to laws, rules, policies, and legal opinions pertaining to agency operations;
• May draft and review legislation and administrative rules;
• Utilizes legal resources, dockets, legal files, and official records relating to legal procedures;
• Creates, prepares, and distributes documents related to hearings, including orders and decisions;
• Recruits, selects, onboards, and trains employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development;
• Sets expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures;
• May handle administrative matters and hearings while maintaining appropriate decorum, hear evidence, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and/or make reasoned decisions supported by evidence;
• May be required to utilize litigation skills and experience relating to agency operations;
• Organizes and manages caseload in the preparation of hearings and/or litigation;
• May review pleadings, motions, and discovery;
• May draft appeals or briefs, or perform legal writing assignments.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need For Success

The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have

• A Doctorate of Jurisprudence with 5+ years of legal experience as a practicing attorney;
• Indiana Bar Admission license in good standing;
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules;
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing;
• Ability to successfully utilize a case management system to manage a docket, case information, party information, and serve orders;
• Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .